Abstract: Recently, multifunctional cultivated land (MCL) management has been a hot topic in the world. To get a deep understanding of the challenges such as the disorderly competition of cultivated land demand, marginalization of cultivated land and degradation of cultivated ecosystem, a comprehensive analytical framework was established based on the crux of mono-functional land use. From this point of view, it is vital to promote the transition of cultivated land protection towards the MCL management. However, there is no explanation framework of the connotation of the MCL. From the standpoints of positive and normative meanings, supply and demand meanings and the relationships among them, this paper established a comprehensive explanation framework through literature review. Finally, suggestions on promoting the transition such as establishing the spatial integration mode of the MCL based on main function differentiations, expanding the channels of cultivated land value enhancement and establishing the safeguard mechanism of integrated use of the MCL were proposed.